How To Clean Vivobarefoot Shoes

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Who doesn't love splashing out on new shoes? But if you're not careful, the unpredictable British weather and the general daily grind can take the shine of your fabulous footwear.

If you love your shoes, you want to make them last, so here's how to keep them looking lovely for longer...

Protect your suede

Before wearing any suede shoes, protect them with a suede protector. The Liquiproof Protector Spray works on suede and leather shoes. As an added bonus, it can also be used on suede and leather handbags and clothing.

If you want to keep your suede looking great, it's important to invest in a suede brush, like this one from Kiwi. This will allow you to clean any mud or marks from the material. Avoid wearing your favourite suede shoes if it's raining, though!

GHI TIP: If your suede shoes get seriously stained, you can try using a weak solution of washing up liquid and a good-quality brush to wipe marks away, before allowing them to dry naturally. We recommend testing on a more inconspicuous area first.

two feet on how to make your shoes last longer

This image by Matty Jasperson Getty Images

Use a decent polish

Keep your shoes looking as good as new by polishing them often. Go for a neutral polish so that it can be used on all your shoes, no matter what their colour, without tainting them. Timpson stocks a good neutral shoe polish.

If your shoe polish stains your laminate flooring, don't panic! These can be removed with nail polish remover containing acetone, or other mild solvents. WD-40 also works well at removing shoe polish stains.

Lose the sponge

Our team of experts say that sponges aren't the best way to clean shoes as you often don't know what they're made of.

Instead, opt for a good-quality brush. Having a variety of brushes (rough and soft) will help you care for lots of different shoes.

GHI TIP: For suede shoes, brush in the direction of the natural grain of the fabric. This will help the suede keep its smooth appearance.

HARR120N Getty Images

Dry out wet shoes

But never on the radiator! Do it as soon as possible by stuffing with newspaper or using a shoe horse, and then store them like this to help keep their shape.

You should never keep leather shoes near direct heat or else they can dry and crack. If you have any really precious shoes, keep them in their box or in a shoe bag so they don't discolour or get damaged.

GHI TIP: For trainers, open out the trainers' tongues and allow them to dry naturally. You should also remove the laces and wash and dry these separately.

Add a rubber sole

Make your shoes last longer by adding a rubber sole to the leather sole of your shoes. This will give you a longer wear and more grip: especially in rainy weather. These can be ordered from major retailers including Timpsons and Amazon.

Shoe cleaning essentials

Kiwi Suede and Nubuck Brush

Kiwi Rain & Stain Protector 200ml

Kiwi sainsburys.co.uk

£3.70

Timpson Neutral Shoe Polish

Timpson timpson.co.uk

£2.25

Kiwi Sports Trainer Whitener

Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Foam Cleaner 200ml

Liquiproof Premium Protector Spray

Liquiproof amazon.co.uk

£9.99

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